Criminal Cases Advance In Rowdy MSU Celebration

EAST LANSING (WWJ/AP) – Criminal cases are advancing against those charged following a rowdy celebration of Michigan State’s victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten football championship game.

A total of 27 people, mostly MSU students, were charged in connection with the disturbances that took place late Dec. 7 and early Dec. 8 near River and Cedar streets in East Lansing. Police said at least 57 fires were set — many involving couches.

Court records show seven people entered guilty pleas, that have been taken under advisement. In those cases, the defendants initially were charged with being within 300 feet of an open fire, a city ordinance violation punishable by up to 90 days in jail. As part of an agreement with prosecutors, the charges will be reduced to a littering ticket if several conditions are met. Five of those charged were also ordered to pay $908 in fines and restitution; another was ordered to pay $848, while the other was ordered to pay $1,318, the Lansing State Journal reported.

Other defendants in the case are facing similar charges. Some are also charged with an additional charge of assembling for a riot, also a city ordinance violation.